PNP validates 11 election-related incidents since campaign period started

As of March 28, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has validated 11 out of 39 suspected election-related incidents since the campaign period began on January 12.

Of the 11 validated cases, five are undergoing preliminary investigation and six are in the case build-up stage.

PNP spokesperson P/BGen. Jean Fajardo noted that the number of validated election-related incidents is lower compared to the midterm elections in 2019.

She stated that 23 incidents were unrelated to the May 12 elections, while five cases remain under validation.

Additional personnel have been deployed to 36 high-risk areas, and more checkpoints have been established to curb loose firearms and dismantle private armed groups.

The PNP has noted a decrease in election areas of concern, dropping to 386 as of March 19 from 403.

Fajardo emphasized that the PNP will continue monitoring to ensure these incidents do not escalate, especially with the start of the local campaign period.